Improving executive function in young children with Down syndrome
Official title: Executive Function Intervention for Young Children with Down Syndrome
Funded at Colorado State University · NIH-10879710 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a fun 12-week program called EXPO that helps young children with Down syndrome improve their thinking and problem-solving skills through play, with support from their caregivers to make it just right for each child.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Colorado State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Collins, United States) |
| Project start | July 10, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $694,434 |
| NIH project number | 1R61HD115161-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10879710 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are young children aged 0-11 years diagnosed with Down syndrome and their caregivers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 11 years or do not have a diagnosis of Down syndrome may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing executive function skills in young children with Down syndrome through a caregiver-mediated intervention called EXPO (Executive Function Play Opportunities). The program lasts 12 weeks and is designed to leverage the natural strengths and challenges of children with Down syndrome, making it easier for them to engage in activities that promote cognitive development. By incorporating feedback from caregivers, the intervention aims to be adaptive and personalized, addressing the unique needs of each child. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of this approach in fostering better developmental outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cognitive and behavioral skills in young children with Down syndrome, enhancing their overall development and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar caregiver-mediated interventions aimed at enhancing cognitive skills in children with developmental delays.
Where this research is happening
-
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fidler, Deborah J — Colorado State University
- Study coordinator: Fidler, Deborah J
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Exploring how Down syndrome affects optic nerve health in kids
A study using a mouse model to understand why optic nerve problems are common in children with Down syndrome and how to prevent them.
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Executive Function Enhancement for Young Children with Down Syndrome
A caregiver-guided program for kids with Down syndrome aged up to 11 to strengthen their thinking skills during early childhood.
-
Silencing an Extra Chromosome to Help Down Syndrome and Related Conditions
A patient-friendly plan to use a gene-based approach to quiet an extra chromosome in cells and a mouse model to reduce disease-related effects in Down syndrome and other chromosomal imbalance disorders.
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Infant Down Syndrome Brain and Behavior Study
A study of infants with Down syndrome to collect brain imaging and developmental data, creating a large, shared resource to understand how autism and other factors relate to development.
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DS-ARC: Smartphone-based cognitive check for people with Down syndrome at risk for Alzheimer’s
A smartphone-based cognitive test is being developed and tested for people with Down syndrome who may develop Alzheimer’s disease, to track changes quietly in daily life.
-
Immune and NGF factors in Alzheimer’s for adults with Down syndrome
This grant studies why people with Down syndrome develop Alzheimer’s disease by looking at immune signals and nerve growth factor problems.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.